Taken 3 starring Liam Neeson opened in theatres on 9th January 2015Taken/Facebook

Taken 3 star Liam Neeson can be as protective and heroic in real life as he is on screen and the actor apparently proved it during the filming of the movie.

Actress Maggie Grace, who plays Neeson's daughter in the film, revealed on Conan how the 62-year-old action star prank-called an ex-boyfriend of hers, pretending to be the tough, no-nonsense character he plays in the film, reports Daily Mail.

Grace explained that she was telling Neeson about a breakup, and that she was 'a little bit heartbroken' and he suggested they do something about it.

"This just can't be. We have to set this kid straight," said Neeson, in response to Grace's predicament.

So, the two called her ex-boyfriend, who remained nameless, with Liam using the voice of his ex-government operative character Bryan Mills.

In the call, Neeson says: "This is Bryan Mills. We've never met, and if you play cards right, we never will."

"Now listen (bleeped out expletive), you're lower than the pond scum so I'm just going to say this once," the Taken 3 star continues. "You've made two mistakes: Your first mistake was dating out of your league. Your second mistake, well, let's just say any more mistakes and I'll break your other arm - slowly."

"I don't need to say it, but I have a particular set of skills," he said, referencing one of the Taken movies' most famous quotes. "And I don't want to waste them on you. Now get your s**t together," he advised.

Grace and Neeson have worked together on all three Taken films and the actress was all praise for her "awesome" on-screen dad, "He's like the best fake movie dad any girl could ask for."